One of the most intriguing stories from the Old Testament and the Qur’an is the creation of Adam and his mate and placing them in the Garden of Paradise - where they are given to live in bliss and not face any hardship, until their episode with the forbidden tree and their expulsion.
The story of the creation of Adam is first publicly revealed when our Lord addresses the angels in 2:30 informing them of His decision to place a successor on planet Earth.
“And your Lord said to the angels: “I am placing a successor on the earth.” They said: “Will You place in it he who would make corruption in it, and spill blood; while we glorify Your praise, and exalt to You?” He said: “I know what you do not know.” (Qur’an 2:30)
We are then told that Adam and his mate resided in the garden (Janna), from which they had bountiful food and from which no excessive heat would come to them.
“And We said: “O Adam, reside you and your mate in the paradise, and eat from it bountifully as you both wish, and do not come near this tree, else you will be of those who have wronged.” (Qur’an 2:35)
“And O Adam, reside you and your mate in the paradise, and eat from it as you both wish, and do not come near this tree, else you will be of those who have wronged.” (Qur’an 7:19)
“So We said: ‘O Adam, this is an enemy to you and your mate. So do not let him take you out from the paradise, else you will have hardship. You will have in it that you will not go hungry nor need clothes. And you will have in it that you will not go thirsty nor suffer from heat.’” (Qur’an 20:117-119)
The events that then follow are the expulsion of Adam and his mate from the paradise for their sin of eating from the forbidden tree:
“So, the devil caused them to slip from it, and he brought them out from what they were in, and We said: “Descend; for you are enemies to one another; and on the earth you will have residence and provisions until the appointed time.” (Qur’an 2:36)
“So he misled them with deception; and when they tasted the tree, their bodies became apparent to them, and they rushed to cover themselves with the leaves of the paradise; and their Lord called to them: “Did I not prohibit you from that tree, and tell you that the devil is your clear enemy?” They said: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, then we will be of the losers!” He said: “Descend; for you are enemies to one another; and on the earth you will have residence and provisions until the appointed time.” He said: “In it you will live and in it you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.” (Qur’an 7:22-25)
Scholars of the Qur’an have speculated that, if the paradise was on Earth, then it may have been in Africa, while others claim it has been hidden by the act of eating from the tree, while others have opted for the “paradise in heaven” view.
The entire story of Adam and paradise gives us several observations:
- The location of the paradise is revealed as being on Earth where Adam was placed;
- In the paradise, Adam and his mate did not go hungry nor need clothes (20:118);
- In the paradise, Adam and his mate did not go thirsty nor would find excessive heat (20:119);
- The expulsion of Adam and his mate took place from the paradise to a lower plane (2:36);
- The expulsion of Adam and his mate exposed them to hardship (20:117)
The Hollow Earth
In 1692, Edmond Halley (the scientist after whom “Halley’s Comet” is named) conjectured that the Earth might consist of a hollow shell about 800 km (500 mi) thick, two inner concentric shells and an innermost core. Atmospheres separate these shells, and each shell has its own magnetic poles. The spheres rotate at different speeds. Halley proposed this scheme in order to explain anomalous compass readings. He envisaged the atmosphere inside as luminous (and possibly inhabited) and speculated that escaping gas caused the Aurora Borealis.
Halley's imagining of the interior of Earth
The idea of a “Hollow Earth” continued to pick-up steam in the 17th-19th centuries, with further elaboration to Halley’s theory offered in 1818 by John Symms Jr. as he imagined that there were openings at the poles that would allow access to this hidden realm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coTi2i6GWNA
While the theory continued to the late 19th century, with the famous novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” penned as a work of fiction by Jules Vern in 1864; by the beginning of the 20th century, the Hollow Earth theory had mostly died out since no evidence could be found to support any openings at the poles in addition to the research that was done by seismologist Inge Lehmann, who monitored an earthquake in 1929 and determined that the different kinds of waves it produced, which behave differently in liquids and solids, had deflected off of a liquid outer core and solid inner core.
What science now believes the inner Earth could look like
The Deepest Hole
Having looked at all of the above evidence for and against, it is important to point out that mankind has only been able to drill 7km into the Earth (0.2% of the distance to the center):
“The deepest hole by far is one on the Kola Peninsula in Russia near Murmansk, referred to as the "Kola well." It was drilled for research purposes beginning in 1970. After five years, the Kola well had reached 7km (about 23,000ft).” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kola_Superdeep_Borehole
What was of interest during this drilling exercise was that the Earth’s crust decreased in density and increased in porosity, which was the opposite of what the drillers had expected to find.
Water found inside the Earth
While science had believed that the core of the Earth is a solid mass of molten iron and rock, there has now emerged evidence that the deep Earth holds about the same amount of water as our oceans a conclusion drawn from experiments on rocks typical of those in the mantle transition zone (a buffer layer 410 to 660 kilometres that separates the upper from the lower mantle) – source (https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=111648).
A piece of ringwoodite, a mineral that may contain oceans' worth of water in the Earth's mantle.
“The team of scientists used seismometers to measure the motion of energy waves caused by earthquakes through the ground below the United States. The waves slowed down as they passed through the region of the mantle containing ringwoodite. The scientists suggest that the saturation of ringwoodite with water explains the sluggishness of the waves through this particular region of Earth's center.” (ringwood.)
“The results add to mounting evidence that there is much more water than expected beneath us, mostly locked up within the crystals of minerals as ions rather than liquid water.”
What this evidence means and why it is being shared in this article is to show that science is not an “absolute” but is built on new evidences that may appear and which alter the conclusions again and again and again until a definitive theory presents itself and is able to withstand scrutiny and challenge.
Interestingly enough, on the topic of oceans of water being trapped beneath the Earth, we already know this as a fact from the Qur’an’s teachings 1,400 years ago with story of the great flood:
“And it was said: ‘O land, swallow your water, and O sky, cease.’ And the water was diminished, and the matter concluded. And it came to rest on the Judi, and it was said: “Away with the wicked people.” (Qur’an 11:44)
Two East and Two Wests
Before brushing off this unique reading as “science fiction,” we need to look at the Qur’an with eyes that are different to what we have been programmed to see with:
“So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? The Lord of the two easts and the two wests.” (Qur’an 55:16-17)
To try and understand 55:17, commentators of the Qur’an have made ridiculous statements such as “the east of the summer journey and the east of the winter journey;” but, what if the other “east” is the one that occurs in the inner Earth as does the other “west?”
What if, as Edmond Halley imagined, the Earth has cavities in its interior and in the center is a powerful nuclear reaction producing constant heat as well as generating the magnetic forces that cover our planet?
Rotation of the Earth
The subject of rotation has been explained by science quite lazily as the result of the creation of the planets generating momentum which continues to operate until today – this theory falls flat when we look at bodies such as the Moon that have no rotation even though they were created in the same way as other planets:
“Leftover momentum from when planets were forming makes the Earth, and all planets in the solar system, rotate and revolve. As the solar system formed, many moving particles clustered together. They formed a spinning mass. This mass eventually split into different bodies—planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. All these bodies revolve around the sun. In addition, all planets kept their own rotating motion, including the Earth.” (https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/rotation)
If the collision during the forming of the planets does not cause rotation, then what does?
The theory of an inner mini-sun generating powerful magnetic forces, with cavities in the interior, can explain why our planet (as well as other planets ) rotate around their axis. The shell of the Earth is made to spin as it is being polarized by opposite magnetic fields – and this motion continues until the inner sun is dead and we have a planet that is no longer generating its own power such as the moon.
This understanding of the “two easts” and “two wests” gives us insight into planetary design that perhaps very few in the world of science may have even touched upon since producing the empirical evidence may have been challenging.
Hairless Humans
The final section that deserves some coverage is that of the very strange feature of human beings not having any fur or heavy hair: Humans are the only primate species that has mostly naked skin.
Humans are rare among mammals for their lack of a dense layer of protective fur or hair. And the new theory challenges widely accepted theories that humans became hairless to provide better temperature control in varied climates. This conventional view argues that hair was no longer necessary because humans could regulate their environment with the use of shelter, fire, and clothing. (https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20030611/why-humans-hairless)
The explanation offered by science is quite circular – that humans shed their fur or hair because they knew fire and had clothing. However, what if an alterative theory was proposed: that humans evolved in a different climate and environment than other mammals and that such environment had a constant temperature that did not produce extreme cold or extreme heat?
“So We said: ‘O Adam, this is an enemy to you and your mate. So do not let him take you out from the paradise, else you will have hardship. You will have in it that you will not go hungry nor need clothes. And you will have in it that you will not go thirsty nor suffer from heat.’” (Qur’an 20:117-119)
Clearly the climate of the paradise in which Adam and his mate had evolved was one rich with not only food and water, but with constant temperature that required they would not suffer from the cold nor would they suffer from heat.
Humans Are Not From this Earth?
In a book by American ecologist Dr Ellis Silver, he argues that humans may well not be from Earth - and may have arrived separately. Silver offers arguments, based on human physiology, that suggest we may not have evolved alongside other life on Earth - but arrived from elsewhere.
“Mankind is supposedly the most highly developed species on the planet, yet is surprisingly unsuited and ill-equipped for Earth's environment: harmed by sunlight, a strong dislike for naturally occurring (raw) foods, ridiculously high rates of chronic disease, and more. Plus there's a prevailing feeling among many people that they don't belong here or that something "just isn't right".
“This suggests (to me at least) that mankind may have evolved on a different planet, and we may have been brought here as a highly developed species. One reason for this, discussed in the book, is that the Earth might be a prison planet - since we seem to be a naturally violent species - and we're here until we learn to behave ourselves.” (Book Author's Views)
As students of the Qur’an, it is easy for us to relate to the above statements and acknowledge that this surface of the Earth is not where we were originally meant to be – but that our great forefathers were placed in the paradise, which they lost by virtue of their own selfish behavior.
The Way Back – The Children of Israel and the Manna & Quail
One of the commonly overlooked stories in the Qur’an is the one regarding the Children of Israel during their journey with Moses when they were surrounded by clouds and given Mann and Quail to eat from:
“And We shaded you with clouds, and sent down to you manna and quails: “Eat from the goodness of the provisions We have provided you.” They did not wrong Us, but it was their souls that they wronged.” And We said: “Enter this town, and eat from it as you wish bountifully. And enter the passageway by crouching, and say: “Our load is removed,” so that your wrongdoings will be forgiven, and We will increase for the good doers.” (Qur’an 2:57-58)
“And We separated them into twelve patriarch nations; and We inspired Moses when his people wanted to drink: “Strike the rock with your staff,” thus twelve springs burst out of it. Each people then knew from where to drink. And We shaded them with clouds and We sent down to them manna and quail: “Eat from the good things that We have provided for you.” They did not wrong Us, but it was their souls that they wronged.” And they were told: “Reside in this town and eat from it as you please, and say: “Our load is removed,” and enter the passageway by crouching, We will forgive for you your wrongdoings, and We will increase for the good doers.” (Qur’an 7:160-161)
The above verses mention an “entrance” that needed to be entered while crouching, and that the entrance was only revealed when the mount was raised above them:
“And We raised the mount above them by the covenant they took, and We said to them: “Enter the passageway by crouching.” And We said to them: “Do not transgress the Sabbath;” and We took from them a solemn covenant.” (Qur’an 4:154)
“And We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you: “Take what We have given you with strength, and remember what is in it that you may be righteous.” (Qur’an 2:63)
“And We took your covenant, and raised the mount above you: “Take what We have given you with strength, and listen.” They said: “We hear and disobey!” And they had consumed the calf inside their hearts by their disbelief. Say: “Miserable indeed is what your belief orders of you if you are believers!” (Qur’an 2:93)
“And We raised the mountain above them as if it were a cloud, and they thought it would fall on them: “Take what We have given you with strength and remember what is in it that you may be righteous.” (Qur’an 7:171)
Also, while it is commonly believed that they were simply sent these special foods as a mercy to them, what is often ignored is that when they grew tired of this special food they asked to be given that food which was familiar to them from beans, to onions – which meant they had to travel back into the land of Egypt to find both the climate and possibly seeds necessary to produce such vegetables:
“And you said: “O Moses, we will not be patient to one type of food, so call for us your Lord that He may bring forth what the earth grows of its beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said: “Would you trade that which is lowly with that which is good?” Descend Egypt, you will have in it what you have asked for. And they were stricken with humiliation and disgrace, and they remained under the wrath of God for they were disbelieving in the revelations of God, and killing the prophets without right; this is for what they have disobeyed and transgressed.” (Qur’an 2:61)
Did this episode occur in the “Hollow Earth” where the Children of Israel were given access through a hidden entrance where they could live in the same paradise where Adam and his mate had lived?
The story of The Children of Israel adds much more intrigue to the mix:
- The Israelites went with Moses to the place of the Holly Valley
- A passage was revealed which they could enter while crouching or crawling
- The place they arrived at was covered with clouds and had abundant food
Conclusion
Mankind was meant to exist in the paradise where there would be no hardship and for which our bodies were designed to exist. It would also seem that, whilst this place is “hidden” it is still possible to access given the correct knowledge of both location and method.
The idea that other humans or Jinn may still exist within that place is plausible given the theoretical and textual evidence.
While some of the “hollow earth” theories speak of large openings in the north and south poles, it is the opinion of this paper that access points are very “limited” and can only be found with intensified research and expedition. The obvious target would be the land of “Midian” where Moses and the Israelites went after they fled Egypt – but that location would need to be identified by the markers mentioned in the Qur’an of the east part of the valley marked by a “tree”:
“So after Moses fulfilled his obligation and was traveling with his family, he saw a fire on the slope of the mount. He said to his family: “Stay here, I have seen a fire, perhaps I can bring you from there some news or a burning piece of the fire so that you may be warmed.” So when he reached it, he was called from the edge of the right side of the valley at the blessed area of the tree: “O Moses, it is I, God, Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an 28:29-30)
“And We called him from the right side of the mount, and We brought him close to talk with.” (Qur’an 19:52)
“O Children of Israel, We have saved you from your enemy, and We summoned you at the right side of the mount, and We sent down to you manna and quail.” (Qur’an 20:80)
May the Lord guide us to what is right…
Written for www.free-minds.org
